Home » Traveling In Italy

Traveling In Italy

Boys walking the trail toward mountains in the Dolomites.

Visiting the Dolomites Without a Car – It’s Possible, & Sometimes Preferable

Are you trying to decide if you should rent a car for your visit to the Dolomites or just try to explore the area using public transport? I’ve been visiting the Dolomites since 2004, and I’ve done both, many times.  I’ve driven cars and vans, covered the area on bicycle, and sat on countless buses, […]

Visiting the Dolomites Without a Car – It’s Possible, & Sometimes Preferable Read More »

Christmas trees surround a statue at the Bolzano Christmas market in the Dolomites, Italy. The cathedral is in the background. It's nighttime.

Dolomites in the Winter – 7 Activities For Non-Skiers

Do you want to visit the Dolomites in Italy during the winter but have no interest in skiing?  Are you trying to figure out if it’s worth a visit?  Perhaps you’re visiting with a group and want to know if you’ll be bored while everyone else it out on the slopes. Don’t fret – there’s

Dolomites in the Winter – 7 Activities For Non-Skiers Read More »

Inside the Bari airport. A high-ceilinged area with car rental desks and people walking around.

Car Rental at the Bari Airport – From Pickup to Drop Off

If you’re heading to Puglia and are thinking about renting a car – smart choice!  The area is best explored by car.  There are multiple places to pick up a rental car in Puglia, but if you’re flying into Bari (highly likely), the Bari airport car rental location is your best bet. I find the

Car Rental at the Bari Airport – From Pickup to Drop Off Read More »

Boy in brown coat runs in the Bolzano Christmas market, passing wooden stalls on the left and lit Christmas trees on the right. He's heading toward a large Christmas tree up ahead.

Bolzano’s Christmas Market – Our Family’s Favorite Mercatino di Natale

Whether you’re trying to decide if you should hit up Bolzano’s Christmas Market on your upcoming trip, or you’re already in the Dolomites and just need some help figuring out logistics of the market… I’ve got you covered! I’m a mamma of three living in Tuscany and I’ve been visiting the Dolomites every year since

Bolzano’s Christmas Market – Our Family’s Favorite Mercatino di Natale Read More »

Bright orange sunrise and view of rooftops and bird flying in Venice, Italy.

My Favorite Venice Climbs & Viewpoints – With or Without Kids

We all know that Venice is unique, so why not see if from a unique viewpoint?  After you’ve gazed at Venice from the campi (piazzas), on a gondola ride, or at water’s edge, it’s time to climb! These are my favorite places to see Venice from up high.  Note that I haven’t included every single

My Favorite Venice Climbs & Viewpoints – With or Without Kids Read More »

View of St. Mark's Basilica and bell tower and Venice rooftops from the top of Scala Contarini del Bovolo in Venice, Italy.

How to ‘Climb’ St. Mark’s Bell Tower in Venice – My Quick Guide

Are you heading to Venice for the first time and thinking about heading up to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower?  Maybe you’re already in Venice and can’t decide where you want to see Venice from above.  I live in Italy and make trips to Venice with and without my family.  I’ve been up

How to ‘Climb’ St. Mark’s Bell Tower in Venice – My Quick Guide Read More »

Two stone statues (the Moors) hammer onto a large bell on the top of the Clock Tower in Venice. In the back is the rooftop of St. Mark's Basilica and the lagoon.

Climbing the Venice Clock Tower – A Unique Way to See Venice from Above

If you’re planning a trip to Venice, don’t miss a chance to see Venice from up high.  Nothing beats seeing La Serenissima from above, and lucky for you, Venice has many places to get a bird’s eye view.  Most visitors make their way up to the top of the San Marco bell tower or even

Climbing the Venice Clock Tower – A Unique Way to See Venice from Above Read More »